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Dishwashing liquid is a detergent used to assist in dishwashing. It is also known as dishwashing soap or dish soap, and washing-up liquid in the UK. It is usually a highly-foaming mixture of surfactants with low skin irritation, and is primarily used for hand washing of glasses, plates, cutlery and cooking utensils in a sink or bowl.
In Europe, popular brands include Fairy Liquid (made by Procter & Gamble). In the United States, popular brands include Palmolive[1], made by the Colgate-Palmolive Company, and Dawn[2], Joy[3], and Ivory[4], all made by Procter & Gamble.
In some cases, dishwashing liquid is also used to treat birds who have been affected by oil spills.
Also, some dishwashing liquids are used when when a diesel fuel is spilled into the water. The dishwashing liquid, when poured onto it, will dissolve the spilled diesel and safely dispose of it.
Most people rinse the soap off the dishes after washing them, although some leave the soap to dry on the dishes.[5]
A dilute combination of dishwashing liquid with water is often used when blowing soap bubbles.